Hair highlighting device, system and method

ABSTRACT

A multi-tonal hair highlighting device, a method of highlighting hair, and a kit for highlighting hair is disclosed. In one example, multi-tonal hair highlighting device comprises a cap and a plurality of panels bonded to the cap between the plurality of rows along a width of each of the plurality of panels. The cap may include at least one section, and a plurality of holes disposed within the at least one section arranged in a plurality of rows. In one example, hair strands are pulled through the plurality of holes and placed between the plurality of panels. In addition, a plurality of hair colors may be applied to the hair strands. The plurality of hair colors may include a first highlighting color and a second highlighting color. In this example, the plurality of panels is configured to protect the hair strands placed between the plurality of panels.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/466,645, entitled “HAIR HIGHLIGHTING DEVICE, SYSTEM AND METHOD,” filed on Mar. 23, 2011, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

1. Applicable Field

The field of the present invention relates generally to a hair highlighting device and a method of highlighting hair.

2. Discussion of the Related Art

“Highlighting” is a hair coloring technique used to highlight a person's natural hair color by applying, to selected strands of hair, a shade of hair color that is different than the person's natural hair color. Using multiple colors to highlight hair creates a desired multi-tonal look that produces a natural appearance and gives the hair an illusion of volume. Multi-tonal hair highlighting is typically performed by professionals because of the complexity of the technique. However, when hair grows out, repeat visits to a salon are often desired to upkeep the style. Because professional coloring is costly, such repeat procedures are not financially feasible to an average consumer. Typical home coloring products involve applying one color and a cap. Unlike a multi-color application that creates a multi-dimensional look, this method yields a “bottled” or unnatural result. There are commercially available home highlighting kits, some of which include a highlighting cap having holes or open areas to allow access to the hair. However, the home highlighting kits do not include foils and therefore cannot be used effectively to create the multi-tonal look. The foils used by professionals protect the rest of the hair from color bleeding, by folding the colored strand of hair inside the foil once the color is applied. But for a home user it is quite difficult and time consuming to attach and fold foils, especially in the back of the head. Without the use of foils in the home highlighting kits the different shades of color bleed over from the one colored strand to another colored strand, with unattractive results.

SUMMARY

According to one embodiment, a multi-tonal hair highlighting device is disclosed. The multi-tonal hair highlighting device comprises a cap and a plurality of panels bonded to the cap between the plurality of rows along a width of each of the plurality of panels. The cap may include at least one section, and a plurality of holes disposed within the at least one section arranged in a plurality of rows. In one example, hair strands are pulled through the plurality of holes and placed between the plurality of panels. In addition, a plurality of hair colors may be applied to the hair strands. The plurality of hair colors may include a first highlighting color and a second highlighting color. In this example, the plurality of panels is configured to protect the hair strands placed between the plurality of panels.

In another example, the at least one section includes three sections, a first, a second and a middle section. In this example, the first section and the second sections are disposed on opposite sides and the middle section is disposed between the first and second sections. Further in this example, each of the first, second and middle section is separated by a trim.

In another example, each of the at least one section includes a varying width configured to match a varying width of a human head. In this example, each of the plurality of panels includes a width configured to match the varying width of the at least one section.

In another example, each panel is configured to stack on top of other panels disposed below each panel. In addition, wherein the plurality of panels may include varying lengths configured to match a length of the hair strands.

According to another embodiment, a method of highlighting hair using a hair highlighting device is disclosed. The hair highlighting device may include a cap having a plurality of holes disposed in rows included in at least one section and a plurality of panels disposed in the at least one section alternating between rows of the plurality of holes.

In one example, the method comprises placing the cap around a user's head, pulling out strands of hair through the plurality of holes in the plurality of rows in each section, applying a first color to the strands of hair in a first row in a first section, included in the at least one section and covering the first row with a first panel, applying a second color to the strands of hair in a second row in the first section and covering the second row with a second panel, and alternating between the first color and the second color in the plurality of rows in the first section until the first color and the second color are applied to the stands of hair in the first section.

In one example, the method may further include alternating between the first color and the second color in the plurality of rows in a second section, included in the at least one section until color is applied to the stands of hair in the second section. In addition, the method may further include alternating between the first color and the second color in the plurality of rows in a middle section, included in the at least one section, until color is applied to the strands of hair in the middle section. In another example, the method may further include folding a set of the panels over the user's head.

According to another embodiment, a kit for highlighting hair is disclosed. In one example, the kit comprises a cap, a plurality of panels bonded to the cap between the plurality of rows along a width of each of the plurality of panels, a first highlighting hair color solution for applying to a first set of the plurality of rows, and a second highlighting hair color solution for applying to a second set of the plurality of rows. The cap may further include at least one section and a plurality of holes disposed within the at least one section arranged in a plurality of rows.

In one example, hair strands are pulled through the plurality of holes and placed between the plurality of panels. In this example, the kit may further include a hook for pulling the hair strands through the plurality of holes. In another example, the at least one section includes three sections, a first, a second and a middle section. In addition, the at least one section may include a varying width configured to match a varying width of a human head, and each of the plurality of panels includes a width configured to match the varying width of the at least one section.

Still other aspects, embodiments, and advantages of these exemplary aspects and embodiments, are discussed in detail below. Any embodiment disclosed herein may be combined with any other embodiment in any manner consistent with at least one of the objects, aims, and needs disclosed herein, and references to “an embodiment,” “some embodiments,” “an alternate embodiment,” “various embodiments,” “one embodiment” or the like are not necessarily mutually exclusive and are intended to indicate that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment. The appearances of such terms herein are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. The accompanying drawings are included to provide illustration and a further understanding of the various aspects and embodiments, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings, together with the remainder of the specification, serve to explain principles and operations of the described and claimed aspects and embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further features and advantages as well as the structure and operation of various embodiments are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, like reference numerals indicate like or functionally similar elements. Additionally, the left-most one or two digits of a reference numeral identifies the drawing in which the reference numeral first appears.

FIG. 1 is a side view of one example of a highlight hair device, according to aspects of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a top view of one example of a highlighting hair device, according to aspects of the present invention; and

FIG. 3 is a close-up view of one example of a highlighting hair device, according to aspects of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As described above, professional multi-tonal highlighting techniques are effective at creating the desired look, but they are financially unattainable to an average consumer. Furthermore, currently available hair highlighting caps suffer from many limitations, including being difficult to employ and not allowing the home user to apply different shades of hair color to different hair strands. Accordingly, there is a need for a highlighting device that is economical for the average consumer and allows the user to effectively create multi-tonal highlights. Aspects and embodiments are directed to a multi-tonal hair highlighting device that overcomes the limitations and drawbacks of conventional solutions, while providing a tool that is self-contained and easy to use.

This invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” “having,” “containing,” “involving,” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items.

Moreover, it is to be understood that both the foregoing information and the following detailed description are merely illustrative examples of various aspects and embodiments of the present invention, and are intended to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and character of the claimed aspects and embodiments. Any embodiment disclosed herein may be combined with any other embodiment in any manner consistent with at least one of the aspects disclosed herein, and references to “an embodiment,” “some embodiments,” “an alternate embodiment,” “various embodiments,” “one embodiment,” “at least one embodiment,” “this and other embodiments” or the like are not necessarily mutually exclusive and are intended to indicate that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment. The appearance of such terms herein is not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

According to various embodiments, the multi-tonal highlighting device includes a cap that fits around a person's head and includes one or more sections. In one embodiment, the cap includes three sections, each including a plurality of holes uniformly distributed in rows. The cap further includes panels positioned between the rows of holes, which extend the width of each section. The panels are attached to the cap, creating alternating rows of holes and panels, where the panels extend freely away from the head.

In reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is illustrated one example of a hair highlighting device 100, by which a system and method of highlighting hair with multiples shades of color is implemented. In the illustrated example, the device includes a cap 102, comprising three sections, as further described below, where each section includes alternating rows of holes 106 and plastic panels 108.

The cap 102 fits securely but comfortably about the user's head covering all of the hair. The cap 102 may have trim 112 of different material surrounding the perimeter of the cap 102. The trim 112 may give the cap 102 a more defined shape and form a closer fit around the user's head. In one example, the cap 102 includes a visor 114 that protects the wearer's face from coloring solution. The cap 102 may come in different sizes to fit different head sizes or it might be a “one size fits all” construction. The cap 102 may be made of soft, thin non-reactive plastic. Alternatively, the cap 102 may be made of a soft, thin rubber material. The panels 108 may be constructed of 2 mil polyethylene or equivalent.

To ensure a proper fit, the cap 102 may include ties 110 that extend from the bottom of each side of the cap and tie beneath the user's chin. The ties 110 may be an extension of the trim 112 and may be comprised of the same material as the trim. However, other methods of securing the cap about the wearer's head may be used, such as clasps, hook and loop fasteners, snaps or buttons. In another example, the edge trim material on the bottom of the cap and around the face of the wearer may be hollow. In one example, the hollow trim includes a cord that allows the trim 112 and the cap material to bunch up, forming a more precise fit around the head.

As shown in more detail with regard to FIG. 2, the cap 102 comprises three sections, a first section 202, a second section 204 and a middle section 206, which may be separated by the trim 112. Sections 202, 204 and 206 facilitate the application of hair color one section at a time. However, it should be appreciated that any number of sections, having different shapes may be used. As shown in FIG. 1, the first section 202 may follow the shape of one side of the person's head, starting at the visor and ending at the neck. Similarly, the second section 204 may be symmetrical to the first section 202, on the opposite side of the person's head, starting at the visor 114 and ending at the neck. Finally, the middle section 206 may be formed between the first 202 and second sections 204 by starting at the top of the head, near the visor 114 and following the circumference of the head down to the neck. In one example, the different sections allow the user to more easily apply hair color by working with one section at a time.

Referring again to FIG. 1, in one embodiment, each section has rows of designated perforations or holes 106. In one embodiment, the holes 106 are cutout of the cap material. The holes 106 may be formed in rows from one side of the head to the other, following the shape of the head. The holes 106 may be of equal size and may be equally spaced. In one example, the size of the holes is approximately 1/16 inch and the spacing of the holes is approximately ½ inch. Size and spacing may also differ based on the type and amount of highlights desired by the user. For example, for thicker and more pronounced highlights, the holes may be larger and closer together; for thinner highlights that blend in, the holes may be smaller and farther apart. The placement of the holes 106 may alternate in adjacent rows, so that the holes in adjacent rows are not aligned and appear staggered.

FIG. 3 shows a more detailed illustration of the highlighting cap 102 with alternating rows of holes 106, and layers or panels 108, according to one embodiment. The panels 108 may be attached to the cap 102 across the width of one edge of the panel with the remainder of the panel freely flowing away from the head. The panels 108 are arranged alternating between each row of holes 106 and bonded to the cap material.

Referring again to FIG. 2, in one example, in first and second sections 202 and 204, there are approximately 12 panels. The panels 108 in different rows may be of different widths following the shape of the user's head with the widest panel matching the widest part of the head. In one example, the top-most (or first) panels in sections 202 and 204 have a rounded or curved edge which matches the shape of the user's head. The top panels in these sections may be approximately 5 and ¼ inches in width. In this example, the panels disposed below the top panels are wider, include a substantially straight edge and extend to cover the entire section. The widest panel may be approximately 6 inches in width. The next panels (i.e. disposed below widest panel) begin to narrow. The bottom panels (i.e. those disposed closer to the neck) in sections 202 and 204 may be approximately 4 inches wide.

In one example, in section 206, there are approximately 23 panels. Similarly to sections 202 and 204, the panels may have different widths following the shape of the user's head with the widest panel matching the widest part of the head. In one example, the first panel in section 206 is approximately 3 and ½ inches and may include a substantially straight edge. The panels following the first panel may be wider (i.e. disposed below the first panel). For example, the middle panel (or the widest panel) is approximately 4 and ⅝ inches wide and the bottom panel (i.e. disclosed closer to the neck) is approximately 3 inches wide.

The panels 108 within each section may rest on top of each other. Panels in different rows of each section may be of different lengths to make the multiple layers of panels easier to manage. For example, the lowest panel (closest to the neck) of the first section 202 might be 15 inches, while the topmost panel (closest to the top of the head) of the first section 202 might be 11 inches. The panels 108 are preferably made of plastic that is strong enough to avoid accidental puncture, while remaining light enough to avoid weighing down the head of the wearer. The hair highlighting device may come with panels 108 suited to accommodate different lengths of hair. For example, for longer hair, the longest panel may be 15 inches in length, for shorter hair, the longest panel may be 5 inches.

In another embodiment, the hair highlighting device may be part of a kit. The kit may include all the components needed to create the multi-tonal highlights. In one example, the kit includes the device as described above, along with a hook or a needle for pulling hair through the holes. The kit may also include hair coloring and conditioning products, in one or more shades of color. Further included may be brushes for applying color to the hair strands, bottles for mixing different colors, and gloves to protect the user's hands from color stains.

The method of highlighting hair will now be described according to one embodiment. To highlight hair the user of the highlighting device 100 may first thoroughly brush the hair and style it into the user's usual look. Alternatively, the user may separate the hair to resemble the shape of the sections of the hair highlighting device 100. The user may then apply a special silicone gel to smooth the hair out, making it easier to pull the hair through the holes 106 of the hair highlighting device 100. The hair highlighting device 100 may then be placed around the head and comfortably but securely tied beneath the chin with ties 110. Using a hook or needle, the user may pull out strands of hair through the formed holes 106 in the outer layer of the cap 102.

According to one example, the user first starts to pull the hair through the holes 106 within the middle section 206. To more easily perform this step, the user may first fold all of the panels in the middle section 206 over the top of the head except for the lowest panel (closest to the neck). Then the user may pull the hair through each hole, proceeding across the row. When the hair strands in a given row are pulled through the holes, the user may rest them on top of the panel for the current row. As each row is completed, the user may lower the next panel over the hair and proceed to the next row. In this fashion, the user may cover the entire section from the bottom of the head to the top of the head.

The user may then complete the first section 202 and the second section 204 in similar manner, starting at the lowest row for each of the sections and moving to the top of the head. Proceeding from one side to the other side, the user may follow the row of holes, again placing the pulled strands on top of the panels. After completing the lowest row, the user may place the next panel on top of the strands and proceed to the next row. The user repeats this process until strands pulled through all the holes.

To apply the hair coloring the user may use different highlighting colors and selectively apply them to alternating rows, or individual strands of the hair, to create the desired multi-tonal look. In one example, two colors are applied to the hair. The user may again start in the middle section with the lowest row (closest to the neck) by pulling the rest of the panels and hair strands over the top of the head. The user may then apply a first color to the first row of hair strands and place the panel 108 over the hair strands. The panel 108 covers the first row of hair strands and protects the first color from bleeding onto the remaining hair. The user may then apply a second color to the next row of hair strands. Similarly, the next row is then covered with the panel 108. The method of separation of each panel 108 layering on top of the next panel creates heat which in turn aids in the coloring process. The process is repeated to the rest of the middle section 206, followed by the first 202 and second sections 204 until the entire head is treated with the two hair colors.

Having now described some illustrative aspects of the invention, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the foregoing is merely illustrative and not limiting, having been presented by way of example only. Numerous modifications and other illustrative embodiments are within the scope of one of ordinary skill in the art and are contemplated as falling within the scope of the invention. In particular, although many of the examples presented herein involve specific combinations of method acts or system elements, it should be understood that those acts and those elements may be combined in other ways to accomplish the same objectives. Acts, elements and features discussed only in connection with one embodiment are not intended to be excluded from a similar role in other embodiments. 

1. A multi-tonal hair highlighting device comprising: a cap including: at least one section; and a plurality of holes disposed within the at least one section arranged in a plurality of rows; and a plurality of panels bonded to the cap between the plurality of rows along a width of each of the plurality of panels.
 2. The multi-tonal hair highlighting device of claim 1, wherein hair strands are pulled through the plurality of holes and placed between the plurality of panels.
 3. The multi-tonal hair highlighting device of claim 2, wherein a plurality of hair colors is applied to the hair strands, the plurality of hair colors include a first highlighting color and a second highlighting color.
 4. The multi-tonal hair highlighting device of claim 3, wherein the plurality of panels is configured to protect the hair strands placed between the plurality of panels.
 5. The multi-tonal hair highlighting device of claim 1, wherein the at least one section includes three sections, a first, a second and a middle section.
 6. The multi-tonal hair highlighting device of claim 5, wherein the first section and the second sections are disposed on opposite sides and the middle section is disposed between the first and second sections.
 7. The multi-tonal hair highlighting device of claim 5, wherein each of the first, second and middle section are each separated by a trim.
 8. The multi-tonal hair highlighting device of claim 1, wherein each of the at least one section includes a varying width configured to match a varying width of a human head.
 9. The multi-tonal hair highlighting device of claim 8, wherein each of the plurality of panels includes a width configured to match the varying width at least one section.
 10. The multi-tonal hair highlighting device of claim 1, wherein each panel is configured to stack on top of other panels disposed below each panel.
 11. The multi-tonal hair highlighting device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of panels includes varying lengths configured to match a length of the hair strands.
 12. A method of highlighting hair using a hair highlighting device including a cap having a plurality of holes disposed in rows included in at least one section and a plurality of panels disposed in the at least one section alternating between rows of the plurality of holes, the method comprising: placing the cap around a user's head; pulling out strands of hair through the plurality of holes in the plurality of rows in each section; applying a first color to the strands of hair in a first row in a first section, included in the at least one section and covering the first row with a first panel; applying a second color to the strands of hair in a second row in the first section and covering the second row with a second panel; and alternating between the first color and the second color in the plurality of rows in the first section until the first color and the second color are applied to the stands of hair in the first section.
 13. The method of claim 12, further including alternating between the first color and the second color in the plurality of rows in a second section, included in the at least one section until color is applied to the stands of hair in the second section.
 14. The method of claim 12, further including alternating between the first color and the second color in the plurality of rows in a middle section, included in the at least one section, until color is applied to the strands of hair in the middle section.
 15. The method of claim 12, further including folding a set of the panels over the user's head.
 16. A kit for highlighting hair, the kit comprising: a cap including: at least one section; and a plurality of holes disposed within the at least one section arranged in a plurality of rows; a plurality of panels bonded to the cap between the plurality of rows along a width of each of the plurality of panels; a first highlighting hair color solution for applying to a first set of the plurality of rows; and a second highlighting hair color solution for applying to a second set of the plurality of rows.
 17. The kit of claim 16, wherein hair strands are pulled through the plurality of holes and placed between the plurality of panels.
 18. The kit of claim 17, further including a hook for pulling the hair strands through the plurality of holes.
 19. The kit of claim 16, wherein the at least one section includes three sections, a first, a second and a middle section.
 20. The kit of claim 16, wherein the at least one section includes a varying width configured to match a varying width of a human head, and each of the plurality of panels includes a width configured to match the varying width of the at least one section. 